As told by the university

King's College London

Overview

Rated among the world’s top 25 universities1 and ranked sixth in the UK for the quality and quantity of research activity2, King’s is a leading university providing world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. King’s has played a major role in many of the advances that shape modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. King’s continues to lead the way on research and pioneers new ideas to make the world a better place.

King’s is London’s most central university, with five campuses linked through the heart of the capital, enabling us to build partnerships with key London institutions and form international conversations. We collaborate on research projects, share teaching resources and create internship opportunities to enhance our students’ experience. Current partners include the British Library, British Museum, National Gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe, Southbank Centre, Tate Modern, and more. Our central location and varied partnerships allow students to get connected in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

King’s is not only an enriching experience from an academic perspective – we have a diverse and active student community, with almost 30,000 students from some 150 countries worldwide. Detailed information for international students, including upcoming visits overseas, is available on the international section of the website.

Our students benefit from local and global connections with employers, universities and organisations from government, business and industry to charities, sport and culture. We host guest speakers and provide opportunities for internships and active recruitment. 94 per cent of master’s graduates are in full time work within six months of graduation (DHLE, 2014) and we are ranked in the UK’s top 5 universities for graduate employability.

Main address

Campuses

Situated in the heart of London, King’s has five campuses; four located along the River Thames and one based in South London. As London’s most central university, King’s offers a unique advantage to students, using the city as an extension of its classroom.

Strand campus: Home to the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, The Dickson Poon School of Law, Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy (also at Waterloo Campus) and the English Language Centre. King’s Business School is located at Strand, in the stunning Bush House building. The most centrally located university campus in London, the Strand benefits greatly from its proximity to the West End (with all its world-class theatres, cinemas and shops), Covent Garden, the Royal Courts of Justice and Trafalgar Square. The Maughan library is just a short walk from the Strand; a magnificent resource for all King’s students.

Waterloo campus: Home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, part of the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine (also at Guy’s Campus), Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy (also at the Strand Campus) as well as King’s Dental Institute (also at Guy’s Campus) and the London Dental Education Centre (LonDEC). The campus is well connected, located next to Waterloo Station and London’s South Bank Centre, which includes the National Film Theatre; Royal Festival Hall; Hayward Gallery and the National Theatre. The Strand Campus is just a short walk across Waterloo Bridge, past some of the most magnificent views in London.

Guy's Campus: Guy’s Campus is home to the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine (also located at Waterloo Campus) and the Dental Institute. Medicine has been taught at Guy’s since the establishment of Guy's Hospital in 1726. Students based here have the distinct advantage of being located near the Shard, Shakespeare's Globe theatre and Tate Modern, as well as having easy access to many restaurants, bars and markets. London Bridge station is also just a few minutes’ walk from the campus.

St Thomas' Campus: The St Thomas’ Campus provides continuing medical and dental teaching as well as a museum dedicated to Florence Nightingale, founder of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery at King’s. The campus is located in central London, overlooking the River Thames, next to Westminster Bridge and opposite the Houses of Parliament. It is just five minutes walk along the river from the Waterloo Campus.

Denmark Hill Campus: The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience is located at King’s campus in Denmark Hill. The campus also provides facilities for the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Dental Institute. Based in South London, the campus is next to the Maudsley Hospital, the largest mental health training hospital in the UK and close to the Dulwich Picture Gallery, the oldest purpose-built public art gallery in England, the Horniman Museum, and the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, an international venue for major athletics meetings.

Faculties

King’s is an established multi-disciplinary institution, home to nine faculties of study, all delivering world-leading research and education.

The Faculty of Arts & Humanities at King’s is one of the most prestigious of its kind, ranked 6th in Europe according to the QS World University Rankings 2017. King’s is one of the world’s leading centres of research in arts and humanities, with strengths across all disciplines, including new fields such as culture, media and creative industries, and digital humanities. 99 per cent of the research conducted in the faculty has been judged as having an outstanding or very significant impact in the wider world (Research Excellence Framework 2014). Home to one of the largest populations of postgraduate research students in the country, this diverse faculty gives students a rich and stimulating environment for study and research, engaging with questions of fundamental importance to understanding the past, present and future.

The Dental Institute is one of the top centres of excellence for dental education, scientific research and oral healthcare provision in the world. Ranked 1st in Europe and 4th globally for dentistry (QS World University Rankings 2017), our international reputation attracts students and renowned academic staff from across the globe. In collaboration with our London teaching hospital partners – Guy’s, King’s College and St Thomas’ – we train dental professionals at all levels, and undertake and actively promote world-class basic, clinical and translational research within 30+ research-active laboratories and areas over four divisions:

Craniofacial Development & Stem Cell Biology

Mucosal & Salivary Biology

Tissue Engineering & Biophotonics

Population & Patient Health.

The Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s College London is rated as one of the top 20 law schools in the world by QS World University Rankings 2017 and is the first in the UK for research (REF 2014). Established in 1831, The Dickson Poon School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in England and is recognised as one of the best law schools in the world. With a dedicated team of legal academics and professionals with diverse backgrounds, and many international partnerships, King’s brings a global perspective to law. Located in the heart of legal London and surrounded by major law firms, the School offers a suite of innovative courses and exciting opportunities to establish links with peers and researchers, and build a wider network of professional colleagues.

The Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine is one of the largest and most successful centres of bioscience and medicine research and education in the UK. We bring together academics and clinicians who are committed to ensuring faster translation and adoption of research innovation into clinical practice as well as training the next generation of health professionals and research scientists. We are ranked 16th in the world for Medicine by the QS World University Rankings 2017 and 91.8 per cent of the faculty’s REF 2014 submission was rated 4 star or 3 star.

6 Nobel Prize winners have worked and studied in the Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences – including Professors Maurice Wilkins, Peter Higgs and Michael Levitt. This innovative, vibrant faculty has a long tradition of world-leading research and teaching in physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science and engineering. Studying at King’s enables students to work with, and learn from, world-leading academics who are tackling global challenges and answering fundamental questions about the universe. The faculty’s ambition is to inspire, educate and innovate, fostering the next generation of scientists and future leaders, and it is committed to supporting women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care provides world-class teaching, clinical practice and research. We teach our students to care for people in the most effective way possible. Whether they’re taking their first steps in healthcare or improving their existing skills, we prepare graduates for success anywhere in the world. Our research tackles the big questions that impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and populations. Along with three of the UK’s leading NHS trusts, we are part of King’s Health Partners, a UK Academic Health Sciences Centre. Together, we work to ensure our research breakthroughs lead to direct benefits for patients. Our courses take place in the heart of London. But they’re known around the world. In the latest QS World University Rankings, we were number 1 in the UK and number 3 in the world for nursing.

Ranked 2nd in the world for psychology and psychiatry by US News Best Global Universities, the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience is Europe’s largest centre for research and education in these subject areas. Whether through conducting groundbreaking research, enhancing patient care, influencing policy change or raising awareness of conditions affecting the brain, the principal aim is to understand how the mind and brain work and how to help prevent and treat mental and neurological disorders. Students benefit from working alongside world-leading scientists and clinicians and have unrivalled access to outstanding placement, career and networking opportunities.

Ranked 29th in the world for social science Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy is committed to advancing social science scholarship to help tackle some of the most important social, political and ethical issues of our time. World societies and economies are transforming. The faculty seeks to understand that change, and make a positive contribution to human welfare, security and sustainability. King’s position at the heart of one of the world’s truly global cities, combined with the faculty’s interdisciplinary approach, provides a unique perspective on issues like the changing nature of war, climate change, ageing, the ethics of biomedical innovation and social cohesion.

King’s is a top 10 university for business and management studies, as rated by The Complete University Guide 2018. King’s Business School continues to shape an innovative model of business education, developing leaders equipped to tackle the business and societal challenges of the future. Located in the iconic Bush House building, the School is a hub for engagement with business, the city, government and NGOs. With London’s Square Mile – a global centre for commerce and finance – on their doorstep, students will find networking and employment opportunities plentiful. With students from over 80 countries, the School’s international student population brings diverse ideas and perspectives to an exciting learning environment.

King’s has a long history of welcoming international students, and the English Language Centre is proud to play an important part in this tradition. Entering a new study environment can be challenging, not only in terms of language but also in terms of adjusting to a new academic culture. The King's English Language Centre prepares and supports international students in both these areas through programmes ranging from the full-time Pre-master’s and Foundation courses to the short and intensive Pre-sessional courses. Students at King’s English Language Centre have access to all of King’s world-class facilities: accommodation, libraries, clubs, societies and entertainment. The British Council regularly inspect and re-accredit King’s English Language Centre. The British Council are responsible for the regulation and inspection of all schools, colleges and universities which offer English language training and assess their overall standards.

Research

King’s is rated sixth in the UK for research: 84 per cent of our research is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF2014), creating the perfect environment for you to share and develop your passion. Our PhD completion rates at King’s are among the highest in the country and, with our Centre for Doctoral Studies, you can be sure to receive the best support to ensure success.

King’s has played a major role in many of the advances that shape modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. King’s continues to lead the way on research and pioneers new ideas to make the world a better place.

Highlights of research at King’s include:

Sixth in the UK for research quality; 84 per cent of research is world-leading or internationally excellent (2014 REF)

Member of the Russell Group (UK's top 20 research universities)

Five Medical Research Council (MRC) centres

One of the leading UK universities for the provision of services to industry and commerce

Academic researchers collaborating across eight faculties of study within King’s resulting in multidisciplinary research offerings

Accommodation

King’s offers a range of accommodation options as well as advice about renting privately. Options include King’s own halls of residences, as well as the University of London intercollegiate residences, offering choice in busy central locations as well as quieter, residential areas. The university recognises the importance for international students of securing accommodation for your first year at university. Priority is therefore given to international students who have not lived or studied in the UK before and whose application for accommodation is received by the published deadlines.

Facilities

Apart from offering a varied and rich academic experience for international students, King’s College London also offers a range services and facilities, ensuring students are supported through out their studies:

The English Language Centre offers a wide range of language and study skills courses that run both before and during the degree. The range of courses including the International Foundation Programme, Pre-Masters programme and pre-sessional courses, help international students improve their English, as well as develop skills essential for studying in the UK.

Careers Service: King’s has one of the best careers services in the UK and offers students support and guidance to help them pursue their career interests both in the UK and internationally.

Counselling: Counsellors at King’s enable students to make the most of their time at university by helping them to cope with any issue whether of personal or academic nature.

Student Advice Service: The advice team helps international students with a wide range of issues covering immigration and visas, money management, legal issues and housing.

Disability Advisory Service: King’s offers support, advice and guidance to all disabled students throughout their studies, as well as advising prospective or post-offer applicants.

Admissions

The university accepts a broad range of qualifications from both UK and overseas schools, colleges and universities. The information below is a guide and students should refer to the online prospectus for specific entry requirements for all courses.

Undergraduate courses

If you are interested in coming to King’s as an undergraduate, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All undergraduate applications must be made through UCAS. For useful tips on how to apply, students should visit the applying to King’s section of the website.

To be eligible for a Taught course (Masters), students need to have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university, with good grades (usually a 2:1, upper second class degree however please check the course listing on the online prospectus).

To be eligible for a Research course (PhD), students would normally need to be either studying for or have completed a master's degree from a recognised university in a related subject.

For full details on entry requirements across all postgraduate courses, check the ‘Entry Requirements’ section on the relevant course page of the online prospectus, to find out if you fulfill the minimum entry criteria, including English language requirements if applicable.

Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to provide certification of their competence in the English language prior to starting their studies at King’s. The English Language Centre offers a range of foundation, pre-masters and pre-sessional English programmes to help students reach their required language skills level for entry onto the university’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Please visit our online prospectus to find out the individual English language requirements for our courses.

Fees

Information about fees for 2018 entry is available on the website for undergraduate and postgraduate research courses. Fees for all Masters courses can be found listed alongside individual courses on the online prospectus. If in any doubt, please check with the faculty office to which you are applying.

Scholarships

King’s College London offers a variety of funding opportunities for international students. Visit the website for detailed information for undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships.

All reviews

As a postgrad student I had very specific needs and I knew exactly what I was looking for- King's not only met my course needs, but they went above and beyond to provide me with career and subject advice before I even applied. Now that I'm here, my teachers have been incredible and I have thoroughly enj read full review

As a postgrad student I had very specific needs and I knew exactly what I was looking for- King's not only met my course needs, but they went above and beyond to provide me with career and subject advice before I even applied. Now that I'm here, my teachers have been incredible and I have thoroughly enjoyed all my modules (thank goodness because it is a lot of hard work too!). I can feel how far I've extended myself in just 6 months and am very much looking forward to getting back in the workforce with my new knowledge, networks and renewed focus. show less

As a postgrad student I had very specific needs and I knew exactly what I was looking for- King's not only met my course needs, but they went above and beyond to provide me with career and subject advice before I even applied. Now that I'm here, my teachers have been incredible and I have thoroughly enjoyed all my modules (thank goodness because it is a lot of hard work too!). I can feel how far I've extended myself in just 6 months and am very much looking forward to getting back in the workforce with my new knowledge, networks and renewed focus. show less

Yuliya,Kazakhstan5

King's War Studies courses- unique and practical

Due to my interest in security I applied to the course in War Studies department at King's. I never regretted that decision. This particular course (MA International Peace and Security) is multidimensional in terms of learning styles. There are lectures, but the major emphasis is on seminars which focus read full review

Due to my interest in security I applied to the course in War Studies department at King's. I never regretted that decision. This particular course (MA International Peace and Security) is multidimensional in terms of learning styles. There are lectures, but the major emphasis is on seminars which focus on the most prominent international security issues: terrorism, genocide, failing states and so on. Also, there is a week long workshop which seeks to teach students conflict analysis tools and skills as well as gives a space to practice mediation skills.
The cohort on the course is typically very international and diverse. Everyone has something interesting to tell, many have had an experience in the field of security and they are ready to share some insights.
The department frequently organises events where prominent scholars and professionals come to talk about the topics of concern. Additionally, there are career workshops where graduates from King's share their experience of job hunting and give you some tips about it. There are also several organisations which hold strong links with the department and provide generous opportunities for students to gain relevant career experience.
There are several societies which mainly consist of the War Studies students and hence contribute to the development of networks and critical thinking about the governance and security. Sometimes particular society is responsible for writing several articles to internet journals about particular topic, thus there is an opportunity to practice writing and add something interesting to your CV.
King's War Studies courses are challenging , but at the same time they give you an exciting experience which is not available in any other university. show less

Due to my interest in security I applied to the course in War Studies department at King's. I never regretted that decision. This particular course (MA International Peace and Security) is multidimensional in terms of learning styles. There are lectures, but the major emphasis is on seminars which focus on the most prominent international security issues: terrorism, genocide, failing states and so on. Also, there is a week long workshop which seeks to teach students conflict analysis tools and skills as well as gives a space to practice mediation skills.
The cohort on the course is typically very international and diverse. Everyone has something interesting to tell, many have had an experience in the field of security and they are ready to share some insights.
The department frequently organises events where prominent scholars and professionals come to talk about the topics of concern. Additionally, there are career workshops where graduates from King's share their experience of job hunting and give you some tips about it. There are also several organisations which hold strong links with the department and provide generous opportunities for students to gain relevant career experience.
There are several societies which mainly consist of the War Studies students and hence contribute to the development of networks and critical thinking about the governance and security. Sometimes particular society is responsible for writing several articles to internet journals about particular topic, thus there is an opportunity to practice writing and add something interesting to your CV.
King's War Studies courses are challenging , but at the same time they give you an exciting experience which is not available in any other university. show less